20 May 2016

In April, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hinted at a major defensive overhaul this summer, and with Joel Matip already signed, the Reds are seemingly focused on signing a new left-back, and Klopp is reportedly close to sealing a deal for £15m-rated Leicester City starlet Ben Chilwell.

In early May, multiple reports claimed Liverpool is Chilwell's 'preferred destination', and according to The Mirror today:

"Jurgen Klopp will start rebuilding Liverpool by signing Ben Chilwell. The German believes he has won the race as the Anfield giants look to find a long-term successor for Alberto Moreno".

* Jan 2016: Channelling his inner-Brendan Rodgers, Claudio Ranieri raved: "He [Chilwell] was fantastic [Against Spurs]. If you think our left flank was 18 and 19, it was unbelievable. He had a very great match. He was sure and outstanding".

How exciting! Liverpool plan to replace Moreno with an untested 19-year old who is yet to make a single Premier League appearance. Clearly, he'll just walk straight into the team and solve the club's defensive issues at left-back.

Links like this really bug me. Are we to believe that there isn't a single player in Liverpool's academy comparable to Chilwell? Why not just develop the likes of Smith, Randall, McLaughlin, Flanagan etc, and save the transfer fee. Alternatively, sign a proven player capable of actually replacing Moreno straight away.

What is the point of the Academy if Liverpool keep ignoring the players already on the books? Smith, for example, is already further along the development path that Chilwell (in terms of first-team experience), so I fail to see why this deal is even necessary. Additionally, the Leicester Mercury further claims:

"Chilwell has rejected a new £18,000-a-week deal to stay in Leicester".

A 19-year old with THREE senior appearances to his name rejects an £18k-a-week contract with the Premier League champions? You couldn't make it up. What has Chilwell done in the game to warrant more than that?

Chilwell appears to be yet another another grossly overhyped, over-entitled British youngster, with an inflated sense of his own value. Liverpool don't need him.